Following a ballot review, a Lincoln County School Boardcandidate said she is satisfied with results of the race in whichshe lost by a slim 13-vote margin.

Results in last Tuesday’s race for Educational District 2 had JoBeth Thompson losing to Johnny L. Hart by a margin of 551-538. Dueto the closeness of the contest, Thompson said she was advised toseek a review of ballots.

“We did, and I’m satisfied with it,” Thompson said.

Circuit Clerk Terry Case Watkins said Thompson and Hart reviewedand recounted ballots Tuesday. Watkins said the recount showed a10-vote difference in the race’s outcome, but official results willnot be changed.

“The election commissioners had already certified the election,”Watkins said. “Officially, the numbers won’t change.”

Thompson expressed confidence in Hart’s abilities on the schoolboard. He will take office at the first meeting in January.

“I’m sure he’ll go in and do a good job and do what’s right forthe kids,” Thompson said.

In other election events, Watkins said absentee voting is underway for next Tuesday’s runoff for a seat on the state SupremeCourt.

In the runoff, appointed incumbent Oliver Diaz is facing KeithStarrett, the circuit judge for Lincoln, Pike and Walthallcounties. In the Nov. 7 election, Diaz captured about 40 percent ofthe vote while Starrett qualified for the runoff with about 32percent over Jones County Judge Billy Joe Landrum’s 28 percent.

Watkins said her office will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. untilnoon for absentee voting. She encouraged citizens to be involved inthe runoff.

“This runoff election is just as important as any office on theballot a week and a half ago,” Watkins said. “People need to getout and vote.”